On Sunday 18th September, Mikron came back
to Doxey to perform their story of the creation of the Bridgewater
Canal (the first 'true' canal in Britain ?) by the Duke of
Bridgewater, his agent John Gilbert and the engineer James Brindley.

As usual the story informed and entertained and the performance ranks as one of Mikron's best.

Adrian, Sally, Nicola and Dan took you back to the 18th century with
the aristocracy and workers working together (sometimes) to change the
face of Britain.

Tales of the Thames Mikron - 16th Aug 2009

The Mikron Theatre Company
paid the first of their regular two annual visits to Doxey and
performed a story of the Thames, its history and people. Adam
Palmer and Gemma Ryan were welcomed back and we were pleased to meet
George Chalmers and Rachel Cartwright. As usual the story from Richard
Povall and music/lyrics from Jim Woodland (directed by Rebekah Hughes
& Vashti MacLachlan) told of real people in a way that made you
laugh - and think.

Cakes and drinks were provided by the DCA
regulars - thanks to the Church for the hall and everyone involved for
a great afternoon.

(click images for larger versions)

Boka Halat - Making a song and dance in Doxey

On
Saturday 21st March Doxey was on the receiving end of some
'mutual inspiration'(1) as the group Boka Halat performed and made the
audience perform as well.

Band warms up

BokaHalat- Doxey

Roger Watson

(click images for larger version)

English
folk singer (and accordionist) Roger Watson & Gambian drummer
Musa Mboob the founders of the group were joined by German Saxophonist
Thomas Christen, Gambian guitarist Ousman Beyai and English fiddler Tom
Fairbairn in creating music that was both unusual and strangely
familiar. Folk songs from Britain and elsewhere were given the beat of
African drums (and more than a bit of jazz) to create a sound that it
was difficult not to dance to.

In the first half of the
evening the group played and sang a range of songs and music from
around the world. After a short refreshment break staid Doxey residents
did not need much persuasion to perform traditional English barn dances
to a decidedly global sound with Roger acting as caller and Master of
Ceremonies. The music was then given a more Doxey Sound as the band was
joined by a number of local performers on drums, guitars, saxaphones
and flutes who had participated in the workshop that the group had run
during the afternoon before the show.

Musa MboobTom Fairbairn

Jane tells wherethe exits are !

Doxey Drums

Thomas Christen

At
the end of the evening we all went home tired and happy, the only
regret being that the turnout had not been larger. Thanks must be given
to Jane Essex and to 'Live and Local'(2) who arranged the evening.

Ousman Beyai with Henry

1)
"The Boka Halat technique is not ‘multiculturalism’. The name means
‘mutual inspiration’ in Musa’s native Wolof language. The technique is
INTERcultural: to see what a group of diverse musicians, living in the
same area, can create which none of them could arrive at on their own"

(2)"
Live & Local is a network of mainly voluntary organisations across
the East and West Midlands and parts of South East England who,
supported by a professional team, promote top class professional arts
performances in small and friendly venues such as village halls and
community centres"

"Chanteuse are a Midlands based
female
Chamber Choir. They were formed in 2008 by local professional
singer/pianist and former Director of Music at Stafford Grammar
School, Sue Brereton.

They have performed at many venues
throughout
the area, most notably Lichfield Cathedral, where they wowed the
audience with the depth of feeling in their performance and received
much praise. Their repertoire covers all styles and conventions from
purely classical to modern, sacred and secular." (Stafford Music Festival)